>De Witt County Arrest Records Online

De Witt County, Illinois Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in De Witt County, Illinois?

Arrest records in De Witt County, Illinois are classified as public documents pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest documentation, must be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental purposes:

Promotes transparency in law enforcement operations
Ensures accountability of public officials
Facilitates public awareness of criminal activity within the county
Supports the constitutional right to access information about governmental proceedings

The DeWitt County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory responsibilities. While most arrest information is publicly accessible, certain exceptions exist to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and cases where disclosure might compromise public safety or individual privacy rights as outlined in § 7 of the Illinois FOIA.

DeWitt County Circuit Clerk's Office
201 West Washington Street
Clinton, Illinois 61727
(217) 935-7750
DeWitt County Circuit Clerk

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in De Witt County?

De Witt County arrest records are available through various online platforms, though the comprehensiveness of digital access varies by source. The Illinois Integrated Justice Information System has facilitated increased digital availability of criminal justice records throughout the state, including De Witt County. Online accessibility options include:

The DeWitt County government website provides limited public record search capabilities
The Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search database contains information on individuals currently in custody or under supervision
Third-party aggregator websites that compile public records from multiple sources

Pursuant to the Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/), certain arrest information may be restricted from online access depending on case disposition and the nature of the charges. Members of the public seeking comprehensive arrest information are advised that the most complete records remain available through in-person requests at the DeWitt County Courthouse.

How to Look Up De Witt County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for accessing De Witt County arrest records. The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Act (20 ILCS 2630/3) establishes protocols for record dissemination while the Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/) governs county-level record maintenance. Authorized methods for obtaining these records include:

In-person requests at the DeWitt County Sheriff's Office located at 101 W. Washington Street, Clinton, IL 61727
Direct inquiries to the DeWitt County Circuit Clerk during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
Written requests submitted to the Records Division with required identification and case information
Online searches through the county's public access terminal system available at the DeWitt County Courthouse
Utilization of the Illinois Department of Corrections database for post-conviction information

Standard processing fees apply to record requests in accordance with § 6 of the Illinois FOIA. Current fee schedules are posted at the Circuit Clerk's office and on the county website. Certified copies of records require additional authentication fees as established by the County Board.

Contents of a De Witt County Arrest Record

De Witt County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, Section 1240. These official documents serve as the factual account of an individual's interaction with law enforcement and typically include:

Subject's complete legal name and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citations for all alleged violations
Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
Booking photographs (mugshots) taken during processing
Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
Custody status information
Case disposition if available
Bond information including type and amount
Court appearance dates and locations

The DeWitt County Clerk and Recorder's Office maintains these records in accordance with the Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/). While most information is publicly accessible, certain sensitive details may be redacted pursuant to privacy protections under Illinois law, particularly in cases involving minors, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations.

DeWitt County Clerk and Recorder
201 W. Washington St., Room 109
Clinton, IL 61727
(217) 935-7780
DeWitt County Clerk and Recorder

Expungement of Arrest Records in De Witt County

The Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2) establishes the legal framework for expungement and sealing of arrest records in De Witt County. Expungement physically destroys records or returns them to the petitioner, while sealing maintains records but restricts public access. Eligibility criteria include:

Cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi
Arrests without charges being filed
Successful completion of supervision or qualified probation
Certain non-violent offenses after applicable waiting periods
First-time offenses eligible under specific statutory provisions

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Circuit Court of De Witt County. Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(6), petitioners must provide notice to all arresting agencies and the State's Attorney. The court conducts a hearing where the State may object to the petition. If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge their records.

Individuals seeking expungement may obtain assistance through the DeWitt County Public Defender's Office or legal aid services. Filing fees apply but may be waived for indigent petitioners under Supreme Court Rule 298.

DeWitt County Public Defender's Office
201 W. Washington Street
Clinton, IL 61727
(217) 935-3525
DeWitt County Public Defender

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

Illinois law establishes specific limitations on arrest record access to balance public transparency with individual privacy rights. The Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/) and the Illinois FOIA (5 ILCS 140/) create a framework of restrictions that apply to De Witt County records. Key limitations include:

Juvenile arrest records are confidential under the Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/1-7) except in limited circumstances
Records pertaining to victims of sexual offenses have restricted access pursuant to the Privacy of Child Victims of Criminal Sexual Offenses Act (725 ILCS 190/)
Sealed or expunged records are removed from public access
Records related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld under § 7(1)(d) of the Illinois FOIA
Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as defined in § 7(1)(c) of the Illinois FOIA
Mental health information protected under the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act (740 ILCS 110/)

Law enforcement agencies, including the DeWitt County Sheriff's Office, maintain internal policies governing record dissemination in compliance with these statutory requirements. Violations of these restrictions may result in civil penalties under § 11 of the Illinois FOIA.

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/) and the Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act (30 ILCS 105/) establish parameters for utilizing arrest records in employment decisions within De Witt County. These regulations aim to balance public safety concerns with fair opportunity principles. Key provisions include:

Employers may not inquire about sealed or expunged records
Arrest records without convictions cannot be the sole basis for adverse employment decisions
"Ban the box" provisions prohibit criminal history questions on initial job applications
Employers must demonstrate job-relatedness and business necessity when using conviction information
Housing providers face similar restrictions under the Illinois Human Rights Act

The DeWitt County land records system provides property ownership information but does not integrate criminal history data. Employers and landlords conducting background checks must obtain separate authorization and follow proper channels for accessing criminal history information.

Professional licensing boards operating under Illinois Department of Professional Regulation guidelines maintain specific protocols for evaluating criminal history as it relates to occupational licensing decisions in accordance with the Criminal Identification Act.